If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know
how smitten I am with the pairing of blue and grey. This color combo creates
the most seductive, red carpet smoky eye and I like that Mary Kay has included a
smoldering navy (bordering on black) to deepen the crease and smudge under the
lower lash line for more drama. The cool tones contrast beautifully with the dark
hues to create depth, and the ultra-silky texture is easy to enhance and blend.
The pigmentation is excellent – you can go as bold as you dare or sheer and
sophisticated with no creasing. Using a good primer helps accentuate the color
so it really pops and add some false lashes for a night out.

The Rose Nudes Palette features soft pink-mauves and
shimmery aubergine hues that apply velvety smooth with excellent color payoff.
Again – I love how the deep shades mix with the neutrals to help sculpt and
shape the eyes. These pigments look lovely on all skin tones and when matched
with a lush berry lipstick, the effect is mesmerizing! The limited-edition
shadow palettes retail for $27.00 with magnetic backing.

There are only 2 lipsticks in the fall collection but they
were chosen wisely. With the vividness and intensity of the smoky palette, I
use the neutral lipstick (Rose Blush) which has a pink undertone that
compliments a wide variety of skin tones. The creamy texture applies
full-coverage and balances the deep shadows so they don’t appear too harsh. The
softer shadows go well with the wine lipstick - (Mulberry Muse). It applies
sheer but still quite bold and hydrating to keeps lips supple and chap-fee. The
lipsticks retail for $19.00 each.

The lacquer is available in 3 shades: Violet Silk (my
personal fave), Rose Blush (which matches well with the Rose Nudes Shadow Palette)
and Pink Escape with a pearly white base. The creamy texture and shiny finish
looks very rich and professional but I was hoping for a splash of deep red or
burgundy – something a little fiery for fall. The polish retails for $10.00
each.

Mary Kay has also launched some new skincare including the
first ever Vitamin C Activating Squares. I’ve been incorporating this powerful
vitamin in my skincare routine for years but if you haven’t heard, the benefits
include: anti-aging results, antioxidants, even skin tone, correction of UV
damage and discoloration (including blemishes, age spots and hyperpigmentation),
hydration and enhanced radiance. Since most Vitamin C
loses potency and degrades when exposed to air, light or water - Mary Kay has
created a powerful patch that provides a fresh dose whenever you need it.

To use - simply place the square in the palm of your hand,
cover with 3-4 drops of water, mix until dissolved and add your favorite serum
to create a supercharged beauty elixir! I blend my square with the
Mary Kay Tone Correcting Serum ($48.00) which restores skin’s natural glow for
a more flawless complexion. The Vitamin C Squares are perfect for travel and retail for $30.00 per pack.

Mary Kay Cosmetics is available online at marykay.ca and
through independent consultants.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

We are fast approaching Labour Day
long-weekend which means there are only a few days left to attend the CNE.
Being the fun-loving, patriotic Canadian that I am, I’ve developed an annual tradition
of attending the Ex which began during childhood and has now transitioned into
more of a girl’s weekend or date night.

The CNE marks a bitter-sweet time
here in Toronto. It’s a whirlwind of thrilling carnival rides, interesting (and
bizarre) food concoctions, games and star-studded entertainment mingled with
the nostalgic scent of French fries and cotton candy. It also signifies the end of summer vacation –
the last hoorah before we grudging go back to school or work. Since I’m
somewhat of a CNE veteran, I’ve decided to share some tips to help you make the
most of your day at the Ex.

1. Start early – If you are taking
public transit (especially the Go Train which is always crowded and only stops
every 30 mins) try to arrive early, before the crowd and stay late. This also
ensures that you have time to see most of the shows and enjoy the vibrant,
multi-colored lights as the fair comes alive at night!

2. Buy tickets in advance – Buying
your passes in advance allows you to skip ticket lines upon arrival and if you
plan to enjoy the midway, ride passes can save you money. On opening weekend general
admission is $15.00 and $40.00 for a ride pass. If you miss the early bird
deadline, tickets are $19.00/adults, $15.00/kids under 13 and the ride all day
pass (includes ground admission + rides) is $61.00/adults or $58.00 for kids.
If you attend after 5 pm Mon-Thurs, tickets are $8.00 at the gate (not
available online).

3. Plan your day and meals – One of
the most popular activities at the Ex (or any fair for that matter) is trying
the delicious food and strange creations like deep fried Twinkies, Rainbow
Grilled Cheese, crispy crickets, and colossal burgers sandwiched between 2 sugary
donuts. Before you arrive, scope-out some of the best dishes online and decide
what you’d like to try so the Food Building doesn’t seem so overwhelming and
chaotic. There are maps inside to help you find specific restaurants and I
highly recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something
new!

Thanksgiving Waffle from (Fran's) - Waffle made of stuffing with turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce

Fresh Potato Spuds with garlic powder

4. Don’t miss the shows – Check the
CNE schedule and decide which shows you want to see (there are usually several
time slots for your convenience).The ice and acrobat show (which I highly
recommend) is in Richo Coliseum and the Super Dogs Show is also very popular. Make
sure to arrive at the auditorium at least 30 mins prior to show time for best
seating.

There are also concerts, street performers
and a small, family-friendly Mardi Gras Parade (bead necklaces and all). The
International Stage showcases interesting cultural entertainment and talent
competitions - but again, arrive at least 20-30 mins early for best seating.
There are performances taking place all day so see as many as you can between
stuffing your face with junk food.

5. Visit the Buildings – Make some
time to pop into the Arts & Crafts building for a selection of local
produce, interesting exhibits and a wide variety of Canadian goods. The
International Building showcases decor and crafts from all over the
world and don’t forget to check out the sculptures made from butter, sand and
foliage! If you like to bargain hunt, check out the clothing and beauty booths.

The Farm Building offers free activities for kids and a variety of adorable creatures (the baby llama was my fave), presented with educational displays. At the back of The Farm Building you will find a pretty garden which is a great place to relax or take photos.*Note: the buildings usually close at 10 pm (check the schedule and holiday hours for more details).

6. Special Events – There are
usually special events like Food Truck Frenzy, The Air Show, The Cat Show and cool
concerts, so plan your visit according to your interests.

Food Truck Frenzy - Butter Chicken Poutine

7. Bring a Water Bottle – Summer may
be winding down but it can still get pretty darn hot on the midway so stay
hydrated to keep your energy up (you’ll need it to battle the crowds). There
are free water stations around the Food and Art Building so stop by and fill-up!

8. Wear comfortable shoes &
clothing – People usually go to the Ex to eat, ride and play but there can be a
lot of walking involved since the grounds are quite expansive. You may be on
your feet for hours (unless you decide to plop down under the Beer Tent), so bring
your walking shoes! If you feel fatigued, hop on the free CNE Train which stops
at various points of interest.

Piri Piri Chicken Poutine

9. Budget well – A trip to the Ex
can add up fast so create a budget for food, shopping, casino, games, transportation
etc (after you purchase tickets) so you know how much to bring and
where your money is being spent. There are ATM machines on-site.

Chimney Stax Ice Cream

10. Use the CNE lockers – There are
several locker storage locations at the Ex so you don’t have to lug around your
bags and all the stuffed toys you win. They also come in handy if you want to
enjoy the rides hands-free.

11. Take the Ski Ride – This may
not be the scariest ride at the Ex (unless you have a fear of heights) but it provides
the best view of the fairground if you want to capture the perfect keepsake
photo.

12. Have fun! – Unleash your inner
kid and enjoy. If you don't get around to everything, visit again!

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

I’ve raved about Vasanti’s makeup a few times (their
lipsticks are to die for) but the brand also makes a variety of vegan-friendly
skincare - free of parabens and sulfates and loaded with nutrients to help your
complexion thrive! After a summer spent soaking up the sun and enjoying the
great outdoors, it’s time to rejuvenate, balance, brighten and hydrate for
clear, healthy skin.

The 4-Step Skincare System ($134.00) is designed to: cleanse,
exfoliate, hydrate and nourish for that luminous glow we all crave. The Detox
Purifying Cleanser (enriched with a Shea Butter derivative) eliminates pollutants,
excess oil, blemish causing impurities, makeup and dirt without stripping the
skin or leaving it tight and dry. Omega oils, powerful antioxidants and
anti-aging properties help soften, stimulate and maintain elasticity while the milky cream soothes and refreshes after a hectic day.

Step two is the Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator (99%
natural) – infused with Papaya Extract, Aloe and Micro-Crystals that provide an
energizing spa treatment! The exfoliating crystals are similar to my professional, Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion Machine because the particles are
ultra-fine yet incredibly effective at removing dead skin and improving texture
for enhanced suppleness. Since my face (especially my T-Zone) is very sensitive
to exfoliates, I limit this step to once per week. The formula also
helps diminish the appearance of lines, wrinkles, large pores, dark spots and
dullness.

The Brighten Up Amplifying Moisturizer with Vitamin C,
Bearberry and Aloe, enhances the benefits of exfoliation while
boosting radiance and deeply hydrating with a non-greasy texture. This is a
great cream to use under makeup (for that fresh-faced look) or layered with
your other night care to help even skin tone while you snooze.

Vasanti has some great products to help women of all
complexions correct discoloration so I had to test their eye cream which is also
the fourth and final step in the kit. The Eye Wonder 2.0 is packed with Peptides, Botanicals and Vitamins to help reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.
The ceramic tip provides a cooling sensation that feels relaxing and soothing
on tired, strained eyes plus it helps stimulate circulation. I was surprised at how quickly I noticed results – after a few days the darkness under my eyes
began to fade and I looked well rested.

Vasanti still offers the original eye cream in a jar
($42.00) which targets the same major concerns with a rich, creamy texture that
provides a little more hydration. I also use it on my lids to prevent dryness
and prepare the area for better eye shadow application.

Monday, August 28, 2017

A few weeks ago I attended the launch party for the new Pure
Color Love Lipsticks by Estee Lauder. The brand has released an impressive
array of pigments (30 to be exact) with finishes ranging from matte, shimmer,
chrome and cream - something for every skin tone and style preference.

The packaging is chic, sophisticated and glamorous with
shiny gold tubes and structured caps that resemble thick glass. The hint of
color that shows through at the top helps identify each shade without
having to uncap.

I’ve been testing 3 colors from the color spectrum – 110 Raw
Sugar (neutral), 360 Flash Chill (bright, shimmery coral) and 120 Rose Xcess
(deep burgundy-wine) which is great for fall. Some may find the slated square
edge a little unorthodox but it actually helps outline and shape the lip
contour for neater application and precision.

Overall the formula is creamy and smooth with fluid glide
and pure color that is easy to intensify for full-coverage, comfortable wear. The
emollients include natural oils and nourishing butters so you get protection,
hydration and nourishment along with intense vibrancy and no feathering. The shiny
coral starts out sheer with a balmy texture that may require a few well placed layers
for consistency but the shimmer is quite refined with no discernible chunks.

The mattes are my favorites because they are rich, bold and
more opaque than the other finishes. They also last for hours without fading
since the supple color clings to the skin. With these lipsticks, you can expect
the same luxurious quality Estee Lauder is well known for with the added bonus
of healing extracts that preserve youthfulness. The Pure Color Love Lipsticks
retail for $28.00 each.

I also got another Pure Color Envy Lipstick ($38.00) in the
shade (Above) which is lovely orange-coral that transitions your makeup looks into
autumn. The buttery color is soft yet vivid for cushiony comfort that locks in
moisture and prevents dryness.

Estee Lauder is available at department stores including The
Bay, Sephora and online at esteelauder.ca.

Friday, August 25, 2017

Pixi Beauty has been a cult favorite for years, providing great makeup and effective skincare since 1999. I’ve stopped by their counter
many times at my local drugstore but it wasn’t until recently that I
really put these products to the test. Long nights and busy weekends combined
with endless parties and press events has recently disrupted the balance of my skin so I armed myself with some of Pixi’s best to clear up my complexion.

To start my busy morning, the Glow Mud Cleanser ($24.00) instantly
refreshes my skin and prepares me for a hectic day. The invigorating scent has stress relieving aroma
therapy benefits – infused with natural extracts that emit a calming herbal
fragrance - very spa-like and serene. The thick formula is made with diatomaceous
earth which is a type of sedimentary rock that resembles clay and has amazing
health benefits. The cleanser is also infused with 5% Glycolic Acid to gently
exfoliate dead cells, Aloe Vera, Safflower, Chamomile, Avocado and Hazelnut to nourish, soften and smooth rough, dry skin. You can use it morning or
night to detoxify pores and draw out impurities which enhances radiance and prevents breakouts and blemishes.

When skin looks dull, dehydrated and irritated, the
Hydrating Milky Serum ($34.00) provides an instant boost of moisture and
nutrients to soothe, protect and moisturize. Enriched with a potent blend of
Rosehip Oil, Vitamin C, Jojoba, Aloe and an abundance of natural extracts, the serum
absorbs quickly to improve skin texture, plump, firm and soften. You can use it
before bed (with other night products) or prior to makeup application.
The only thing that needs improving is the medicine dropper because
it does not extract the milk very well. Other than that, this products is
exactly what my skin needs to thrive in the summer heat and prepare for the cool autumn weather.

The Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner with Ginseng, Aloe and
Glycolic Acid – formulated to even skin tone, cleanse, brighten and smooth. It is
also available in To-Go Pads ($30.00) which are perfect for vacation and post
workout treatments.

At night when I need something rich and super hydrating to
recover and repair, the Beauty Sleep Cream ($34.00) works wonders! This little
tube is packed with 100% Mango Butter for incredible suppleness plus Vitamins A,
C & E to combat free-radicals and totally revive the skin for that
youthful, dewy complexion we all crave.

If you love the nude lip trend that is still going strong, you can achieve an effortless neutral look with the Shea Butter Lip Balm in the shade Honey ($10.00). The subtle tint provides a light wash of color while the luxurious
emollients rejuvenate dry, chapped lips with a soothing, creamy texture.

The Flawless Beauty Primer ($30.00) is infused with micro-shimmer
to restore skin’s youthful glow, balance, hydrate and pro-long makeup. It also
has anti-aging ingredients and a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that is
gentle on sensitive skin. If your complexion is medium to deep, I recommended
blending very well as the shimmer can cause a silvery-white sheen. The primer helps even the skin for smooth makeup application and beautiful luminosity.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

One of the best things about being a Beauty Editor is discovering
new brands and amazing products. Last week I attended a fall/holiday preview to see which
trends will be hitting the beauty scene next season and I came across a luxury
brand I’d never heard of or tried before. Founded by renowned celebrity stylist
Daniel Kaner, Oribe started with high-performance hair care and branched into fashionable cosmetics that deliver professional results.

The packaging is elegant, fun and incredibly striking – featuring marbled
casing, gold detailing and sleek lines. The designs remind me of something created for
a Grecian Goddess – very glamorous and sexy.

Deep wine-burgundy and rich purple is always
flattering in the fall. The Lip Lust Crème Lipstick ($42.00) moisturizes, protects and plumps
with an indulgent satin finish. Enriched with a nourishing blend of White Lily,
Myrrh, Oils, Antioxidants and Plant Extracts - the formula hydrates, protects
and fights the signs of aging without feathering. The lightweight color glides
on creamy and sheer but when layered, the pigment appears intense, vivid and
little vampy for that sultry, mysterious effect. The lipstick also provides hours of
comfortable wear and makes my pout feel supple and smooth.

These days I have very little time to paint my nails or stop
in for a manicure but the gorgeous High Shine Lacquer ($32.00) from Oribe has
inspired me to polish. The rich, creamy color is easy to work with, providing long-lasting
coverage that is chip and fade resistant. The glossy finish makes nails
look amazing and the formula is free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, resin toluene, DBP and resin.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

When No 7 Skincare made worldwide headlines documenting that
their Protect & Perfect Serum has been proven to reduce the appearance of
wrinkles, people lined up for hours to get their hands on it. Since then, the
brand has expanded the line utilizing the latest innovations in skincare to
address the needs of women everywhere at affordable prices.

One of their newest Serums is the Renew Face & Neck
Multi-Action ($36.00) targeting key anti-aging concerns including: wrinkles,
firmness, tone, crepiness, hyperpigmentation and age spots. With a potent blend
of Amino Acids, Ceramides, Vitamins, Hibiscus, Hyaluronic Acid, Indian Gooseberry,
Vitamin C and more - the lightweight gel balances, corrects, firms and strengthens to promote youthful looking skin that is smooth and hydrated.
Overtime and with repeated use, the neck and face begins to appear rejuvenated and even –
like turning back the hands of time and undoing some damage.

The Lift and Luminate ($36.00) is my go-to, night serum for a
boost of radiance. It firms, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and evens
skin tone (which is why I use it) so blemishes and hyperpigmentation fade and
makeup application is flawless. I love how light and refreshing the gel feels
as it melts in and locks in moisture with no greasiness or residue. After a
night of beauty rest, I awake to dewy, plump skin that looks and feels amazing!

If the original Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum ($45.00)
works for you, then you will love the reformulated version which has even more repair power to target
deep lines, restore proteins, protect and prevent the breakdown of healthy
tissue. This is a fabulous product to use after a summer spent absorbing
damaging UV since it revives, hydrates, fights free-radicals and nourishes to
transform your skin into a supple, healthy canvass.

My skincare routine is never complete without a good eye
cream so I’ve been alternating between the Lift & Luminate ($24.00) to brighten,
tone and prevent wrinkles and the Beautiful Skin Overnight Eye Balm ($18.00)
which improves dark circles and puffiness so you look well rested.

If you like lush, ultra-hydrating creams as much as I do
then you should definitely try the Lift & Luminate Night Cream ($29.99).
This luxuriously rich formula absorbs deeply to quench and energize dry, dull skin
for incredible softness and radiance. Like most of the products in this line,
it also has anti-aging components and works similar to a night mask – recuperating
and fortifying as you snooze.

While you’re stocking-up on your favorite skincare, don’t
forget to check out the cleansers. The Foaming Face Wash ($13.00) for normal to oily skin, rinses away dirt, sweat, bacteria,
impurities, sebum and makeup to prevent breakouts and unclog pores. I also
keep the Quick Thinking Wipes ($10.00) in my gym bag, car and office to refresh
and clean my skin with nutritive extracts and vitamins.